15 years ago....

15 years ago.....I married my best friend, my love, my partner in life

We were young, in love and eager to happily begin our life together.

Our wedding was held at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, Minnesota....beautiful.

I think it is best we didn't know the challenges we would face.   The growing pains.

We were both growing and both changing....together.

Some how, by being together, we were able to become more of ourselves side by side.

Like the symbolism of a teeter-totter.....there were ups and downs.  But to find the balance we worked at it and worked at it.  Over the years we have become better communicators, better listeners, better at knowing eachother and ourselves.   That's the key, or at least one of them....and remembering the balance just doesn't happen, it requires understanding, love, compromise.

In 15 years of marriage we have finished degrees, moved between states(WI/MN to KS, MI, WI) and a year in Strasbourg, France.   There were internships/residencies, and then jobs we loved and didn't love.  We decided to grow our family,  there were miscarriages, and then 3 pregnancies and birthing 3 beautiful boys in 5 years.  And then in our 11th year we began our journey into adoption and brought home our daughter from Ethiopia.  There have been wonderful furry little souls (Porter the Pug, BlueBoy) that we have loved, snuggled with and said good-bye to. We purchased several homes, each of which we worked hard on, loved and made memories in.   We have lived on loans, and very small pay checks, pinched pennies and recycled cans (10cents a can) in Michigan to make ends meat.  We have played hard and lived/ traveled around the world, with 2 small children.  We have yelled and cried, made mistakes and resolved to do better.  We have grown some gray hairs and began some lines on our faces, hopefully more from smiling.
We have laughed, at each other and ourselves.

We have we grown, oh how we have grown.   

At times I hardly recognize those people 15 years ago, but love them and their hopes and dreams.   

And today, I love how those hopes and dreams have evolved and grown beyond anything we could have hoped or dreamed for.

15 years....

happy anniversary my love.
I love the life we have made and continue to make..

 together.

era of the diaper

7-1-2001....marks the first day of the diaper era.  I am unsure when this era will end....but am hoping for 2012.  During this era, Mr. Diaper Genie has been a fixture in our home.  Mr. Diaper Genie has seen LOTS of poo and pee-pee filled diapers.  Here I refer to him as Mr. Diaper Genie because he commands respect.  If you contained diapers day in and day out until you should command respect too.

Recently, I saw the hubby walked a poo filled diaper out of the nursery, away from Mr. Diaper Genie, to grab a bag and go to the garbage can.  I asked myself, "Why isn't he using Mr. Diaper Genie?"  hmmm....

It was a few days later that Mr. Diaper Genie needed to be emptied out.  And so I asked hubby to do it, in part because he hadn't changed a nasty diaper in a while and I felt it was "the least" he could do (I am aware of the passive aggressive nature of this).  So, when I got that doubtful "sure I can" look from him, a bolt of shock ran through my body!  I came into the sudden realization that hubby didn't dislike using the convenient Mr. Diaper Genie.  No.  He just didn't know how to use him....after almost 10 years!   Then second shock wave. Hubby had NEVER....that's right.....NEVER changed Mr. Diaper Genie.   Oh my goodness, how did this happen?!!!  He didn't know how to empty him and reinsert the lining after almost 10 years of Mr. Diaper Genie gracefully containing poo in our home!  seriously?  How had I not noticed this until now?   (classic denial.)

My immediate response, while not the best for a relationship, was (surprise, surprise) confrontation.
Me, "You don't know how to change the Diaper Genie.  Do.  You."  not a question.   a statement
Hubby, "I am sure I could".
Me, "So, your telling me you NEVER have?"
Hubby, "I don't think so".
Me (in my head...."how is this possible"   What the %*&%?)  and then out loud "WHAT!"
Then I went on to challenge him to figure out how to change Mr. Diaper Genie.  Yes, I did.

I did this because I was ticked off.  I did this because I have had my own share of conflict with Mr. Diaper Genie over the years.  Sometimes he is just difficult, but somehow I always get him to work and hold the poo.  But somehow, I was convinced that my highly-intelligent husband, whom everyday saves lives performing surgeries and heals patients, would be unable to solve the puzzle of the Mr. Diaper Genie.

I doubt, that you are surprised to learn that hubby never went in to the nursery and tackled the puzzle that is Mr. Diaper Genie.  Because of course, I ended up being the one to stuff the very last diaper in.

I am not trying to start something here or be passive aggressive.  I  have decided to drop the diaper genie debate (if it is even a debate) and accept the situation for what it is.   The realization that at times we have   incredibly traditional roles.  It hurt a little even though this is the life we have both created by choice.  Somehow, I felt alone in my solo relationship with Mr. Diaper Genie.

Hubby (probably, I hope) can't work Mr. Diaper Genie.....and to be honest, when I think about it there is plenty that I don't or can't "do" that is in his "domain".   Mr. John Deere, his beloved lawn tractor, is a perfect example (as much as I hate to admit it).  Although, I am sure I could mow the lawn, plow the snow with Mr. John Deere, if I really WANTED to and HAD to.  That is the kicker.....he doesn't want to and hasn't HAD to work with Mr. Diaper Genie because I am here doing it.  I do want to be the one here doing all these things, but I can now say that I am officially ready to say good-bye to diapers, my relationship with Mr. Diaper Genie and the era of the diaper.

Who knows, maybe this summer I will surprise Andy and he will come home to a beautifully manicured lawn courtesy of me.  Just have to get a private lesson on how to drive the tractor.

But really, what would that prove?  That I want to do more work around here? no, no, and no.

It would prove that we can cross the lines of our traditional roles.  I am not sure I need to do this, but it is something to think about.  ;)

Superbowl Mania!!!!

What can I say.....The Superbowl was a BLAST!

"We are the champions, my friend..." (I  can hear Queen singing in my head)

So, here we go with the Superbowl - Packer mania photos you are looking for!

Pregame party.....Texas style.  The party began at 10:30.  good times....

famous Packer players pepped up the crowd!

Outside the stadium

Then we got settled into the stadium!  yahoo! We were on the 4th level.  

Pretty high up, but with the monster screen, every seat has a great close-up view.  

We didn't have any complaints...just happy to have seats!

warm-ups....

This guy sleeping next to Andy was a real piece of work.  He was so odd that I felt like we were being pranked.   He eventually fell asleep.  Some may think he passed out....but to me he didn't seem drunk, just weird.  Who does this?   He and Andy couldn't be more opposite!  (Thankfully!)  I was totally giggling about it...here Andy is concentrating and sending the Packers psychic messages.

The halftime show was AMAZING!  I was jamming out in the stands.

I am told the sound was terrible on t.v.....in the stadium everyone sounded fantastic.  The sound, lights and choreography, and performances were outstanding!

Don't you just love this heart of people!?

 I think I caught the very last play on the big screen!   This is the one that sealed the deal!

That's one happy hubby!

Go Pack Go

Yep, I may be fully converted to the green side now.

Superbowl bound! I am not worthy

Go PACK Go!    I know, your thinking, "wait, is this the right blog?"   That would be the normal response to anyone who visits me here or knows me well. Yep, it's me.....here in Dallas, TX gearing up for the Super Bowl.  First....a disclaimer.  I am not worthy and I know it.  I just haven't had interest in jumping on board for football mania.  During football season when a game would be on I just don't have it in me to sit for hours watching when I have little people pulling on me, I have a million things to do and I am just not that interested.  So, I am not worthy to be here at the biggest football event in the world, but alas here I am!  (maybe I will be converted....maybe that is what this is about...hmmm)

But really what could be more American?  I am all about experiences....so this is a true American experience that we will remember for a lifetime!   Of course, it was all my Packer loving hubby's idea......and he is thrillllllled.  I am really excited too!   More than anything I was really happy that he wanted me to come be with him, in stead of one of the many lifelong Packer fans in his life.  I think that is a sign of true love.

In the world according to Jeni, it his "Oprah moment".  The first time I got tickets to the Oprah show a couple years ago Andy came along....one of the only men there, but he was there for my "Oprah Moment".   Of course, the Super Bowl is a totally different and exciting experience!  There is a whole lot of love for the Packers all around us.  We arrived to the Great Wolf Lodge and the wolves outside even had their own green and gold scarves.  It seems only Packer fans are welcome!  No intermixing with the Steeler fans until game day!

Being Superbowl bound means we are kidless.  What a strange feeling as we are here at their favorite hotel which includes a huge water park.....this seems tragic to them.  They love to visit the Great Wolf in the Dells ...it is pure fun.  We are enjoying it all on our own.   A long visit to the hot tub.  A afternoon visit to the spa.  We also went out to a wonderful dinner with Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Don and I didn't chase a toddler, or wipe any faces or cut food.  We had a wonderful grown up Italian bistro meal.   ahh....I drank 2 glasses of my favorite muscato wine.    And now I write after a full nights sleep, uninterrupted awakening on my own at 9:00.  Yes, 9:00....a new relaxation record.   So, far I love being super bowl bound!

Napa...need I say more?

It has been a LONG time since we had a get-a-way as a couple.  (I know we just went to Ethiopia together 7 months ago, but that doesn't count as a vacation. It was all about bringing our sweet girl home, and while beautiful was a very emotional and difficult trip- that said...)   A trip lone as a couple!  I was resistant to the idea at first.  Crazy, maybe.  But was nervous about leaving Tessa.  Turns out she was absolutely, totally secure and fine in everyway.  Good to know for future get-a-ways!

Andy's conference was a great excuse to plan a trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley.
I had to share these shots from Napa.  How I love Napa.  Let me count the ways.....  o.k.  I am too tired to actually count all the ways.  But let me just say it was so relaxing, our tummy's were full of amazing food, and there is something about the way the roads just lead you to the next great taste of wine or great thing.  Love, love, loved it!

Us...all relaxed and feeling good by the vines

I just liked the way I could see the wine stains on these barrels... I wonder what it is all about....were they excited, messy...hmmm.

And then there is this view.

Napa valley has the same trees you see all over Italy.  I love those tall pine trees

- I need to paint this photo....

Cabo San Lucas

Andy and I had a week away last week to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with our dear friends, Dan & Marcie! What a blast we all had! It is a beautiful location on the Sea of Cortez and cusp of the Pacific Ocean. The rock formations, a.k.a. the arch, is a beautiful site. We enjoyed ourselves at the all-inclusive Riu Palace...where they gave us too much of their awesome food and drinks. I loved the guacamole that was even served at the breakfast buffet! Also, the "miami vice" mix of pina colada/strawberry daquiri was a favorite drink by the pool. The ocean there was beautiful, but had a very strong current, not good after a few too many miami vice drinks!! We loved whale watching and really got quite close to a mother and baby sperm whales. Now that is a sight! The dune buggie 3 hour tour was rough...I knew it wouldn't be my thing once I had googles, helmet and bandana on my face. After a long ride through the desert I was never more excited to be poolside! More than anything, Andy and I enjoyed having time to ourselves. We missed the boys terribly and it was awful to know that Jack was having the very difficult time with us away. But we all survived the seperation. We arrived home at night and the welcome the next morning was beautiful. The boys were so full of smiles, hugs..and so were Mommy & Daddy! It was wonderful and may have been the best part of the trip!